October 5, 2023
Letters 10/5/2023
| Greetings Cousims: Fall is finally here. It’s been a hot summer in Texas, so we are ready for the welcome break. We are fortunate to have numerous contributions from Judith Smith Cassidy, who is an auther of many books and articles. Here is her biography I found on Amazon Books, followed by contributions to the newsletter that we have received from her over the past six weeks. ————————————- About the author: My name is Judith Smith Cassidy and I have been a research historian for over 30 years. The Low Dutch Families were those who established New Netherland, extending from Albany to Manhattan and down into Delaware about 1614. After the English took over the Colony Some families left New York migrating to New Jersey, then departing to establish Congregations near Shepardstown, Berkeley County, Virginia, today West Virginia and Conewago near Gettysburg, Pa. ca. 1762-1790. Determined to buy a large area of land where they could retain their Dutch and Huguenot language and lived as a congregation they departed these areas settling in the areas of Mercer Henry and Shelby Counties Kentucky ca. 1780-1800.Among my work is:Books1. Barbara A. Barth, THE DORLAND ENIGMA SOLVED, A REVISION OF THE DORLAND GENEALOGY, Edited by Judith Smith Cassidy and Harry Macy, Jr., FASG (former Editor of the Record, New York Genealogical and Biographical Society; Diane Barth Swarz, Sandisfied, MA, 2006.2. Cassidy, THE VANARSDALE FAMIY OF KENTUCKY, MISSISSIPPI AND LOUISIANA A SHARED HISTORY OF SLAVE OWNERS AND THEIR SLAVES, June 6-12.3. THE HISTORY OF LOW DUTCH SLAVERY FROM NEW NETHERLAND THROUGH KENTUCKY AND BEYOND. KINDLE VERSION ONLY.4. THE HISTORY OF LOW DUTCH SLAVERY FROM NEW NETHERLAND TO KENTUCKY AND BEYOND LARGE PRINT.5. ENTWINED VANARSDALE FAMILIES – THE VAN ARSDALE FAMIY OF KENTUCKY, MISSISSIPPI AND LOUISIANA A SHARED HISTORY OF SLAVE OWNERS AND THEIR SLAVES LARGE PRINT.Articles1. CASSIDY, The Genealogical Magazine of New Jersey, The Genealogical Society of New Jersey, CHARLES SUYDAM’ MILL AND DAM DISPUTES, RARITN LANDING, May 2012, Vol. 87, No. 2 Whole NO. 296:532. CASSIDY: The New Netherland Connections, editor Dorothy A. Koenig, A BIBLE SHARED BY SOME VAN ARSDALEN, DORLANT AND LOTT FAMILIES, Vol 7, No. 3, 2002, 58-62.CASSIDY: The New Netherland Connections, DISCOVERY OF THE ORIGINAL DEACON’S POOR CHEST AND BAPTISMAL RECORDS OF THE LOW DUTCH CONGREGATION OF CONOWAGO, Vol. 12, No. 4, 2007; THE DEACON’S RECORDS OF THE CONEWAGO CONGREGATION YORK COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA 1777-1803, Vol. 13, No.3, 2008, 70-82; NNC VOL. 13, No. 4, 2008, 93-108.CASSIDY, assisted by Mike Morrissey and David Smock, : The New Netherland Connections, WHICH CHARLES FONTEYN? SORTING OUT THE FONETYN-FOUNTAINS-VANTYNES-VANTINES OF SOMERSET AND MIDDLE SEX COUNTIES, N. J., from 1681-1800, Vol 14, No. 4, 2009: 87-96, and NNC Vol 15, No. 1, 2010: 1-10 and NNC, Vol. 15, No. 2, 2010, 29-39.CASSIDY New Netherland Connections, JOURNEY OF ONE HUNDRED YEARS Vol. 15, No. 3, 2010, 76-88 and NNC Vol. 15, No. 3, 110-123.3. CASSIDY: THE MURDER OF WILLIAM D. VANARSDEL, North Louisiana History North Louisiana Historical Association, Vol. XLIV:151, 2013. Winner of the Maxwell Award in 2014.4. CASSIDY: SIMON VANAWSDALL VS. JOSEPH CORNELIUS, INJUNCTION, 1821, St. Clair County, Illinois, Genealogical Society Quarterly, Vol. 37, No. 3, 2014: 161-170, Bellview, Ill. 62222-0431. ———————————————————————————————- Judy Cassidy wrote: All the items sent to you for the Newsletter will appear in my new book published this fall. The Revolutionary Years The Compiled Family Records and History of Conewago, Berkeley, Owasco and Early Kentucky 1762-1820 Vol One ———————————————————————————————- Salt River CongregationThe Salt River Congregation, located on the Salt River near Harrodsburg was the original Low Dutch Congregation first established in Mercer County, Kentucky by former members of the Low Dutch Conewago Church Congregation who never dreamed they would not be able to acquire a Low Dutch Minister from the Classis in New Brunswick despite their plea and letters. This Church Congregation proceeded the Old Mudd Meetinghouse. The Church’s survival depended on the acquisition of a full time Reformed Dutch Pastor. The responses of the General Synod of the Reformed Protest Dutch Church in North America located at that date in New York and New Jersey in the Minutes of the Synod is included with the Minutes and Letters. ———————————————————————————————- Letter from Salt River Congregation I am posting part of a Letter of Despiration from the Salt River Congregation to the Classis of New Brunswick for a Minister. I have included a series of correspondence between those who left Conewago or Kentucky and the Classis of New Brunswick begging for a Minister in my book. This is just an excerpt from one, so you can see just how desparate the Low Dutch were after they arrived in Kentucky. Therefore we pray you, in the name of Him who has all power to will and to do, that you will assist us if in your power. With submission we crave your aid and assistance with all possible speed. We have sent a call to the Rev. Classis, of New Brunswick, likewise a letter of expostulation, and wrote to some others of the clergy, which we hope may have the desired effect. If no, we are a scattered people, as there are numbers among us at present that say we cannot wait longer—our children should and must be baptized, besides, great numbers that have been baptized by parents to whom it was a matter of indifference by whom it was done. Others have the boldness to say that, when there is no regard or attention paid to us, why should we wait longer? Others say our neighboring societies, and some who are much inferior to us, are great care taken of, such as missionaries sent and churches established, etc. — and we, who are superior, there is nothing done for us. Our neighboring clergy have made several offers and have sometimes preached, which only serves to weaken us and break the bond of unity; but wonder how we have united as long as we have—we may view it s something almost supernatural. HENDRICK BANTA, ALBERT BANTA, JOHN SMOCK, ISAAC VAN NUYS, ABRAHAM BREWER, GARRET DORLAND, CORNELIUS A. VAN ARSDALEN, LUCAS VAN ARSDALEN SIMON VAN ARSDALE, ISAAC VAN ARSDAEN, LAWRENCE DEMOTT. ———————————————————————————————- Jefferson County MinutebookCame across this today in my note book so thought I would share it. PERSONS INTITLED by VIRTUE of AN ACT of ASSEMBLY PASSED MAY 1st 1781 to FOUR HUNDRED ACRES of LAND EACH. A Court held in Jefferson County Kentucky 3 December 1781, it appearing to the Court that the following Persons, are intitled by virtue of An Act of Assembly passed May Lst to four hundred acres of land each Orders that the County Surveyor lay off to them accordingly. Among those were: Page 14: “Catherine Darling, widow, Lambert and John Darling, Jemima Houghland. Page 15: Margaret VanLeeve, Sophia Vorees, Lambert Darling, Samuel Demara, John Demara, Samuel Demarie, Jr. James Houghland, John Voress, Jr. Luke Voress, John Voress. Page 16. James Voress, Cornelius Bogart”. They never received the land. The Historical Quarterly of the Filson Club, Vol. 3, pg 73-83. Minute Book pages 14-16. ———————————————————————————————- Conowago vs ConewagoSomeone asked if I knew that Conewago was spelled Conowago on the cover of the book I just posted. So here is a chapter from my new book. “The Conewago Low Dutch settlers primary language was Dutch for most of the Dutch/Huguenot members. For many years they spoke Dutch among themselves transcribing both English and local words; writing and speaking English words as they sounded to them. This probably accounts for the discrepancy between Conowago and Conewago. Up to 1901 or so, they were using Conowago but after that date, the reference was to Conewago named after a near by creek. Newspaper articles containing a series of letters written by descendants of the Conowago Congregation in the late 1800’s, were compiled and published by Reverend John K. Demarest Pastor of the Presbyterian Church in Gettysburg and they referred to the Conowago Community. The letters which appeared in a Newspaper Series published in the Gettysburg Star Weekly beginning 8 January 1884, titled “The History of the Low Dutch Colony of Conowago. ” I have only chosen the two letters from the Series and comments from Rev. J. K. Demerest seen below. However these men used the spelling Conowago throughout their correspondence. Among the authors of the letters were D. D. Banta, Albert Bergen, David V. Demaree, John K. Demaree, and J. G. Monfort. Beginning April 13, 1868, Champaign, Illinois, the following letter from “The late David V. Demaree, MD. “The former letter (not included), sixteen years ago to Rev. Dr. Demarest, professor at New Brunswick, New Jersey. He had previously written one to me, then at student at Princeton, but in those days, I lacked the good sense to take an interest in such history. The former letter though, so long a time had lapsed since, has led more than anything else to the writing of this history. Up to the time it was received, little more was thought elsewhere of the CONOWAGO colony than here, where its home was, in Adams County,” The next letter that I will give is from the pen of D D. Banta from 1870-1876, Judge of the Sixteenth Circuit Court of Indiana, now President of the Board of Trustees of the University of that State. Franklin, Ind. Sept. 29, 1883 Rev. J. K. Demarest Dear Sir: I am unable to throw any light what so ever on the church you refer to, (the church of Conowago). Indeed, I don’t think I ever heard of it mentioned by any of the old people. I am not sure I can even make out its name from your letter. The old Pennsylvania home they pronounced as if spelling “CON-A-WAUGA.” D. D. Banta Cincinatti, Ohio, Dec. 9, 1883 To: Rev. J. K. Demarest: I am today, seventy-three years old, and feel more than ever before interested in the genealogy of my family and of the church. I have spend much time and have traveled much in search of Dutch history in this country, on Long Island, in New Jersey, at”CONOWAGO” etc. Yours fraternally, J. G. Monfort. The book plate from the Hon.Edward McPherson who deposited the Conewago(Conowago) records at the Historical Society of Pennsylvania. in 1901 is attached to the Records, It refers to Conowago as does the Filing Card at the Pennsylvania Historical Society. Note they are filed under CONOWAGO as that was apparently that was the spelling used up to 1901. The Original Conewago Deacons and Baptismal Records are held at the Historical Society of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia. The story of their travels and custodians from Conewago to Kentucky to Illinois, Indiana and Philadelphia from 1769- ca. 1901.when the Records were taken from Gettysburg by the Hon. Edward McPherson to the Historical Society of Pennsylvania probably at the request of Reverend David Demerest, where Mr. McPherson was a member.The Records, which are in Dutch, were cataloged as “Records, 1769-1803, possibly kept by Rev. David Demarest.” The card catalog also reads “Records of David Demarest and Roelf Brinkerhof, Dutch Reformed Church.” ———————————————————————————————- Don’t be surprised to discover that many York Co. Pa Will Executor Accounts traveled to Kentucky with the Executors and were not settled in York Co. Pa. So half the account may be in York, while the other half and finalization is in Mercer Co. Ky. Sounds crazy but it was not uncommon. These would be found in Administrators Accounts, Mercer Co. Circuit Court Records, in Harrodsburg. Among those was Rev. Cornelius Cozine, Isaac Vanasdall who died in 1773, wife Hannah who married Michael Meyers, their Children etc. So if you can’t find the completion of your ancestor’s will in York and they died prior to 1800 (when Adams County was created), be sure and check the above records in Mercer County, as well as the Mercer Couonty Court Records. ———————————————————————————————- This is the story about how the Conewago Baptismal and Deacons Records were saved by members of the Commingore, Monfort, Cassat, Demarest and Brinkerhoff Clergy down through the years after the demise of the Dutch Reformed Congregations in York and Berkeley Counties. The roll that the Honorable Edward McPherson, a long time Gettysburg resident and the Adams County Representative to Congress, Clerk of the House of Representatives etc. who took the Records to the Historical Society of PA in Philadelphia for safekeeping. The book can be purchased through Amazon. Rev John K Demarest, the minister of the Gettysburg Presbyterian Church in the late 1800’s published a series in the Gettysburg newspapers about their Journey. Thanks to Vince Akers I have a copy of the original Records. Small book loaded with important information.  ———————————————————————————————-Respnses to the previous newsletter: Marina Neal wrote: The Vannice family settled in Montgomery County, IN. It was originally spelled Van Nuys. There is a published book detailing the Van Nuys family history up to around 1920. ———————————————————————————————- Cabell McKee wrote: Thanks. My line tins through the Voorhees family. My wife Judy is a direct descendant of “Father” Banta. Morris Cabell McKee and Judy K Park ———————————————————————————————- Mary Bermke wrote: Great reading. Thanks!! Mary Bermke, mother was MIldred Ruth Banta, a direct descendant for each male from Epke Banta’s first son Cornelius. Artwork and photography are at Gallery 441 of Dillard and at Uptown Gallery in downtown Franklin ———————————————————————————————- Judy Cassidy wrote: Additional explanation. Before the Rev War, the British Colonies of which Pa etc was a part of, everyday life was conducted in English manner. Pa, York, Conewago plus NJ and NY were English. Money, methods of land transactions,The law, taxes etc. the Dutch were considered by English law to be Subjects of England. Once the Colonists won, English laws etc ended although English money was still used for years after as the new country was just creating their own currency. So the new country Divested themselves of anything English, thus the Divesting Laws. Example. Quit Rents, a form of taxation existed throughout England + Colonies prior to England’s defeat. Once that occurred the new country Divested themselves of quit rents. Many low Dutch properties at Conewago had quit rents included in their land records. After the Rev War they were eliminated. ———————————————————————————————- Judy Cassidy also wrote: I THINK YOU SHOULD ADD THESE DATES INTO THE FIRST PARAGRAPH BELOW. THE PENNSYLVANIA LAND OFFICE, LOCATED IN PHILADELPHIA, CLOSED DOWN DURING THE REVOLUTIONARY WAR FROM 1776-1781, WARRANTS, SURVEYS AND PATENTS WERE NOT ISSUED DURING THIS TIME. THE DIVESTING LAW OF 1779 An act passed Nov 27, 1779, by the PA General Assembly that transferred the lands of Pennsylvania from the family of William Penn to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The act is available at https://www.palrb.gov/Preservation/Statutes-at-Large/View-Document/17001799/1779/0/act/0874.pdf. This is important because prior to this, all land originally belonged to William Penn and England, however, after the Revolution that all changed. ALSO SINCE WE ARE SPEAKING ABOUT LAND ETC, IT IS IMPORTANT TO KEEP IN MIND THAT THE COLONIES, INCLUDING PENNSYLVANIA AND THE DUTCH WHO LIVED THERE WERE THE SUBJECTS OF KING CHARLES OF ENGLAND. THEY WERE NEVER CITIZENS OF ENGLAND. THANKS FOR INCLUDING WHAT I AM POSTING. JUDY ———————————————————————————————- Jan C. Verhoef wrote: Dear Dutch Cousins I always read your newsletter with interest. In the last letter Sharon Cole wrote an short article about the characteristics of a Brownstone and the stoop. I understand that in tradition words are corrupted, but I would like to give Sharon Some more information about the word stoop (Stoep). The real Dutch word for a doorstep is “Stoep”. (Speak out stoop) The word stoep had two meanings namely: a raised sidewalk and a doorstep at the entrance of a house. In addition to the foregoing, stoep (step) also has a relationship with an old Dutch proverb “ Ieder moet zijn eigen stoep schoonvegen” or translated “Everyone must sweep his own doorstep” Its means, “Everyone has to solve their own problems “ or “Everyone must correct his own defects before interfering with others “ Best regards also for Sharon Jan C. Verhoef The Netherlands ——————————————————————————————— Welcome to the following additions to our mailing list: Teresa Yeary Dutch connection: Benedict Rune Yeary & wife Maria; children John, William, Benedict Jr., Henry, Issac, Christina, Margaret, Hannah. Ann Terman Olson Dutch connection: In applying for the Colonial Dames membership, I learned that I descend from David Demarest (b. 1676, m. Sarah Bertholf). My dad, James Terman, who was born in Bloomington, IN, descends from WW Demaree, son of Mary Johnston and Peter Demaree, who came to Indiana from Shelby Co, KY. Because WW was orphaned when he was 14, I am having trouble getting an accurate year for his birth. His tombstone in the Hopewell Cemetery in Indiana says 1828, but the official record at the health department is 1827. So, I thought it would be helpful to find a church record of his birth or baptism, but not having luck finding that. Here is a link to Family Search for his background: https://ancestors.familysearch.org/en/KLYG-547/william-w-demaree-1827-1910 Gene “Tootsie” Coverston Dutch connection: My maternal Grandmother Dollye Van Matre is my Dutch connection. Dorien van Boven Dutch connection: I’m the Manager Programs & Communications for The Holland Society of New York and I am Dutch! Mary-Ann Shaw Dutch connection: My mother Mary Ann Mearns ne Patterson born California Her mother Mary Patterson ne Hale born Illinois Her father Jesse Timothy Hale born Indian Creek Knox County Kentucky His mother Matilda Hale ne Westerfield born Laurel County Kentucky Her father Jesse Hale Westerfield born Mercer Kentucky His father Dr. John David Westerfield born Danville Kentucky |
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